As part of broader reforms, the federal government has introduced new caps on international student admissions to align with provincial housing and labor capacity. Effective September 2025:
PGWP eligibility will be restricted to students from public institutions and high-demand fields.
Study permit holders must show proof of enhanced settlement funds to qualify.
Looking Ahead
Experts predict that Canada’s pro-immigration stance will remain strong, but stress the need for better integration supports and housing strategies to accommodate new arrivals. Provinces like Alberta and Nova Scotia are expanding regional nominee programs to attract immigrants to less populated areas.
Immigration lawyers and consultants are advising prospective applicants to prepare early, monitor category-based draw trends, and ensure documents are updated and compliant with new digital processing standards.
